CULLING OF PONIES ON DARTMOOR

The British Horse Society is receiving dozens of calls from people who are
concerned about the proposed cull of ponies on Dartmoor.

The core issues that need to be addressed are nationwide overproduction of
ponies and horses and indiscriminate breeding. The BHS together with other
equine welfare organisations is calling for a responsible strategy to
overcome the problems caused by indiscriminate breeding. The BHS supports
the long term strategy adopted by the National Park Authority and Commoners
Councils to address the problems on Dartmoor.

Culling does not necessarily mean slaughter. Many of these ponies will go
to good homes. The BHS is concerned that where animals have to be put down,
this does not cause any unnecessary distress.

Routine culling is an important strategy in the attempt to improve standards
for semi feral ponies. There is a finite amount of grazing on the moor, and
too many animals would mean not enough food for any of them, causing welfare
problems for all the ponies.

Kay Driver, BHS Chief Executive, said: "The BHS is often called in to rescue
the rescued where a pony has been bought out of pity by someone without the
knowledge, experience or resources to care for a wild young animal."